Global Health Research Foundation
Program Concept: Innovators Home Program
Why researchers and biotechnology innovation matters
Program Concept: Innovators Home Program
A first-time homebuyer mortgage + down payment assistance (DPA) package designed to feel earned and exclusive for researchers, biotech founders, and health professionals—while reinforcing South Dakota as a “build your life here” innovation state.
Core idea: membership, not just a loan
Why researchers and biotechnology innovation matters
Program Concept: Innovators Home Program
Borrowers don’t just “get approved”—they’re welcomed as Innovators with concierge guidance, community access, and partner perks tied to the state’s research districts and innovation networks (Microbe Valley, Epolleo, SDSU Research Park, USD Discovery District, South Dakota Mines).
Why researchers and biotechnology innovation matters
Why researchers and biotechnology innovation matters
Why researchers and biotechnology innovation matters
Bioscience and biotechnology aren’t niche—they’re core engines of modern economic growth and resilience. Nationally, the U.S. bioscience industry generates over $3.2 trillion in economic output and employs nearly 2.3 million people, while indirectly supporting millions more jobs.
Collaboration
Collaboration
Why researchers and biotechnology innovation matters
We collaborate with partners from diverse sectors and regions to promote knowledge sharing and build capacity for global health research and practice. Our partnerships enable us to conduct impactful research and implement effective interventions.
News & Events
Collaboration
News & Events
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and events from Global Health Research Foundation. From research updates to conferences and webinars, our news and events section has everything you need to know.
Support Us
Collaboration
News & Events
Your support enables us to continue our important work to improve health outcomes globally. You can support us through donations, sponsorships, and partnerships.
Who it’s for
Eligible Borrower Categories
- Researchers & research staff: university faculty, postdocs, lab techs, research scientists, clinical trial staff.
- Biotech/life science / ag-biotech professionals: R&D, QA/QC, regulatory, biomanufacturing, diagnostics, data/AI in bioscience.
- Entrepreneurs: founders/employees of Biotech, MedTech, health-tech, ag-biotech startups (including incubator and research-park tenants).
- Health field personnel: clinicians, nurses, allied health, public health, and healthcare innovation teams.
Geography focus:
- Sioux Falls innovation corridor / USD Discovery District
- Brookings Innovation Corridor / Research Park at SDSU
- Rapid City / South Dakota Mines research and innovation ecosystem
Requirements
1) Established credit score
- Minimum FICO threshold set by the lender (example: 660+ for best pricing; alternate options for FHA/VA where permitted).
- “Thin file” options may exist (e.g., utility or rent verification), but the program should still require an established score to maintain the “earned” feel.
2) Employment in biotech or related field + income/credit criteria
- Verification via: paystubs/offer letter, HR letter, proof of lab/clinic appointment, or (for founders) entity docs + contracts + CPA letter.
- Income limits can be structured as tiered (so you can serve early-career researchers and mid-career clinicians).
Borrower perks
A) Low down payment options
- Conventional low-down options (3% where eligible), FHA, USDA (if applicable), and physician-style underwriting principles for high-potential borrowers (without calling it “physician loan”).
B) VA loan programs
- VA borrowers get parallel perks: lender credit toward closing costs, appraisal/processing concierge, and a “fast lane” timeline.
C) Grants, second mortgages, and forgivable loans (DPA toolkit)
- Innovation Grant (closing cost / prepaid assistance)
- Small grant tied to completion of a homebuyer + “Innovation in SD” orientation.
- 0% Deferred Second Mortgage (down payment assistance)
- No monthly payment; due on sale/refi/maturity.
- Forgivable Second (“Stay & Build” note) (is this existing or a new thing)
- Forgiveness over 5 years (e.g., 20% per year) to reward staying in SD’s innovation workforce.
The "White Glove" experience
Innovator Concierge Underwriting
One point of contact trained to handle:
Grant-funded income (research), variable comp, student loan nuance, founder documentation.
South Dakota Innovator Welcome Package
- “Innovator Homeowner” certificate
- Invitation to 2 local events/year (research park mixer, demo day, biotech association event)
- Partner discounts (moving services, home inspection, local childcare referral network, etc.)
Community Access
"Insider" Localized Public School Insights
Borrowers are offered optional inclusion in a network (newsletter + events)
"Insider" Localized Public School Insights
"Insider" Localized Public School Insights
"Insider" Localized Public School Insights
Connectins to local parent groups and links to school rankings and test scores for the areas you are interested in sending students for K-12.
Innovation Neighborhood Guides
"Insider" Localized Public School Insights
Innovation Neighborhood Guides
Short relocation guides for:
- Sioux Falls (Discovery District corridor)
- Brookings (SDSU + Research Park)
- Rapid City (Mines + research/bioprocessing ecosystem)
Post Closing Perk Catalog
"Insider" Localized Public School Insights
Innovation Neighborhood Guides
Discounted Products and Services that aer part of the "White Glove" Member Experience
Contact Our Participating Realtors to find out what it means
Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City blends Black Hills adventure with strong schools, healthcare careers, and a growing startup scene. Enjoy family-friendly neighborhoods, short commutes, and year-round recreation
Sioux Falls
Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City, South Dakota
Sioux Falls offers thriving healthcare, growing tech and biotech talent, great schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods. With strong job opportunities, easy commutes, parks and trails, and an active community, it’s a smart place to buy a home and put down roots.
Brookings
Rapid City, South Dakota
Brookings
Brookings pairs a welcoming college-town feel with research energy, great schools, and safe, family-friendly neighborhoods. With SDSU innovation nearby, short commutes, parks and trails, and a strong community, it’s a great place to buy a home and grow.
Fargo
Lincoln
Brookings
Fargo offers strong healthcare careers, a growing tech and startup ecosystem, and excellent schools in welcoming neighborhoods. With easy commutes, year-round events, and a high quality of life, it’s a smart place for innovators to buy and settle in.
Omaha
Lincoln
Lincoln
Omaha combines top-tier healthcare, a strong business community, and growing innovation hubs with family-friendly neighborhoods. Enjoy great schools, short commutes, a vibrant arts scene, and easy access to parks and recreation.
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln offers a welcoming college-town vibe with research energy, excellent schools, and safe, affordable neighborhoods. Innovators and healthcare professionals enjoy easy commutes, parks and trails, and a supportive startup community.
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis pairs world-class healthcare and research with a deep talent network for founders and innovators. Family-friendly neighborhoods, great schools, lakes and trails, and a vibrant cultural scene make it a great place to buy and grow.